Silverton, Colorado - shootings, mountains and a train

Silverton Colorado is one of the small mountain towns that you have to spend some time to really enjoy. You will love the scenery if you come in the form of Durango-Silverton Narrow Gage Railway. The canyons and mountains you go through, and the large drops to the river below are breathtaking. But the train stops in Silverton for just a few hours before returning to Durango. If you are lucky you missed the train and hang out for a while. 

If you come by car, you can just run down old-west main street and continue up to the ghost town of Animas Forks, a few pictures. But why not stop and stay a while? Where else can you see a firefight in the streets, camp a few blocks from downtown, and looks up to see snow-capped mountains in all directions in June? 

We sit in our room at the historic Silverton Hostel as we write this. A hostel if you are not familiar with them, is a place where you rent a bed for the night - a great idea for a single person who likes to meet other adventurers and tourists. You share a bathroom and kitchen. This hostel is a bit of a hybrid rundown hotels and guesthouses, with beds, private rooms, as we have, and even room to pitch a tent in the backyard. 

The sign at the front desk says to choose a room - the keys are in the doors. You can call to find someone to pay or pay when you see the manager later. Actually you missed the event manager, there is an envelope on the back of the door in every room. Just leave your money in that the note says. 

We ran into the manager, which was good because she told us that wireless internet was available. It saved us a trip to the Avalanche Cafe (although we'll have to visit in the morning for their excellent green chili omelets). Checking in did not require any paperwork than to sign credit card slip. We warmed up some food in the kitchen and met a young man who had recently gone through my wife's native of Ecuador. 

Later, we saw the gun battle, is on the streets for tourists. Tonight we hope to be dancing on the Bent Elbow Saloon, followed by what other bar has live music. Last time we were here we danced to the music of "Too Little O2." Their original music ranging from Greek dance tunes to reggae to rock and blues. The local and outsiders all had a fantastic time. There is something about being isolated and at 9300 meters, which seems to help people come together. 

Other things to do and see around Silverton

If you like great wilderness, this is the place. The nearby Weminuche Wilderness Area is the largest in Colorado, and has hundreds of miles of hiking trails. It includes several "fourteeners" (mountains over 14,000 feet) that can be climbed without equipment. Much of the area is above treeline and it is full of alpine lakes, waterfalls and wildlife. 

Twenty-three miles away, at the northern end of "Million Dollar Highway," the city of Ouray, where you can enjoy some of the best hot spring pools in the state. The motorway is in itself an adventure, with drops of hundreds of feet, sometimes just inches from the edge of the road. The landscape is incredible, but must be described to the driver. 

Jeep tours start in Silverton will take you to the high tundra, and old mines and ghost towns. You can rent a four-wheel drive vehicle yourself and take the amazing "Alpine Loop." Currently (mid-June) you may still have some problems with snow at some of the many passes you will go down. 

Back in town, you can sing karaoke at Silverton Brewery and Bar, where Friday evening. We were there last night, and the songs ranged from the Rocky Horror Picture Show music to country, hard rock and Selena (in Spanish). The latter was sung by my wife. We guess the $ 3 margarita was stronger than we thought.